Method and apparatus for electrolytic separation of metals, particularly copper

Abstract

Method and apparatus for electrolytically separating metals utilizing cathode sheets and anode sheets mounted in an electrolyte, the distance between the sheets being regulated, and may be variable as separation proceeds. The invention is also directed to an anode-cathode spacing device including improved electrically insulating spacing elements.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a method for the electrolytic deposition of copper, in which at the beginning of the electrolytic deposition cathode sheets are inserted in the electrolyte of an electrolytic bath between anode sheets and are supported on respective cathode support rods, the improvement therein comprising the steps of: fixing individual points of the cathode sheet surfaces by removably inserting punctiform spacing bodies between the cathode sheets and the anode, including spacing bodies unequally distributed on opposite sides of the cathode sheets;   supporting the spacing bodies depending from holding rods; and   supporting the holding rods on the cathode support rods.   
     
     
       2. The improved method of claim 1, wherein the step of fixing is further defined as: asymmetrically distributing the spacing bodies on both sides of the cathode sheets.   
     
     
       3. The improved method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: repositioning the spacing bodies in accordance with a predetermined rhythm during the deposition process.   
     
     
       4. The improved method of claim 1, comprising the step of: removing th spacing bodies after approximately 24 hours.   
     
     
       5. The improved method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of: removing the spacing bodies after a multiple of 24 hours.   
     
     
       6. The improved method of claim 1, comprising the further steps of: covering the electrolytic bath; and   maintaining the electrolyte temperature higher than 60° C.   
     
     
       7. Apparatus for the electrolytic separation of metals in an electrolyte, comprising: an electrolytic bath including a tank and an electrolyte in said tank;   at least two anodes supported in said bath parallel to each other;   a cathode suspended in said bath between said anodes;   current conductors extending along both sides of said tank;   respective anode and cathode support members for hanging said anode and cathodes from said conductors, and extending generally perpendicular to said conductors;   a heat-insulating protective cover over said tank, said protective cover including openings at locations where said support members contact said conductors for receiving the ends of said support members therethrough;   a plurality of holding elements; and   a plurality of movable punctiform spacing bodies between said cathode and anodes, said spacing bodies depending from said holding elements and variably positioned on opposite sides and in proximity to the cathode surfaces.   
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said spacing elements are individually located adjacent the lower corners and the center of the cathode. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said bodies are constructed as prisms. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said bodies are constructed as spheres. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of claim 7, each of said holding elements includes a handle. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said holding element comprises polypropylene. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said holding element comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said holding elements and the respective spacing bodies are connected to form a comb-shaped structure.